Oklahoma State gained another in the transfer portal Thursday, landing explosive Sam Houston State freshman guard Jacob Walker — the second Bearkat heading to Stillwater with more possibly on the way.
STILLWATER, Okla. — Oklahoma State men’s basketball continued its aggressive rebuild through the transfer portal on Thursday, landing another commitment from Sam Houston State freshman guard Jacob Walker.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Memphis, Tennessee, native becomes the second Bearkat to join the Cowboys this offseason, following the recent commitment of Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year Kashie Natt.
Walker announced his decision to head to Stillwater, where he will suit up for the Cowboys beginning in the 2026-27 season.
Head coach Steve Lutz, now in his third year leading the program after previous stops that included strong mid-major success, has clearly targeted talent from his familiar conference circles. Sources indicate more Sam Houston players could follow Walker and Natt to Oklahoma State, as Lutz continues to import proven performers who can help elevate the Cowboys in the Big 12.
In his lone season with the Bearkats, Walker made an immediate impact as a true freshman. He appeared in all 34 games, earning 12 starts and logging 25.7 minutes per contest. The combo guard averaged 11.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 43.7% from the field, 35.8% from three-point range, and 74.8% from the free-throw line.
His efficiency and production off the bench earned him Conference USA Sixth Man of the Year honors, along with a spot on the league’s All-Freshman Team. Walker’s ability to score in bunches was evident throughout the year as he posted multiple double digit performances and showed flashes of playmaking, including games with seven assists.
A product of Sunrise Christian Academy (and earlier First Assembly Christian High School), Walker helped his high school teams capture multiple state championships in Tennessee. His polished skill set as a scorer and facilitator translated quickly to the college level despite the jump from high school to Conference USA competition.
Defensively, he contributed 0.9 steals per game and showed the versatility to guard multiple positions in the backcourt.
For the 2026-27 Oklahoma State roster, Walker adds valuable depth and scoring to a guard rotation that will need to replace outgoing talent and compete night in and night out in the Big 12.
As a sophomore with one year of college experience already under his belt, Walker projects as a potential sixth-man spark or even a starter depending on how the rest of the roster shapes up. His three-point shooting, while not elite, came on solid volume (over three attempts per game), and his free-throw percentage suggests he can be reliable in late game situations.
At 6-1 with a strong frame, Walker brings a physical presence that should allow him to absorb contact and finish through traffic, skills that will translate well against bigger, more athletic Big 12 defenses.
Lutz’s portal strategy appears centered on blending high upside transfers like Walker with veteran pieces. After Natt’s arrival provided defensive versatility and rebounding (he averaged 10.8 points and 8.2 rebounds at Sam Houston), Walker supplies additional offensive creation and guard depth.
The duo’s familiarity from their time together at Sam Houston could accelerate chemistry in Stillwater. Should additional Bearkats follow, Oklahoma State could quickly build a core group that has already played meaningful minutes together at a competitive mid-major level.
Walker’s commitment signals more momentum for the Cowboys’ rebuild. With the transfer portal remaining open and the 2026-27 season still months away, the Pokes will continue to build through the portal.
The Memphis native’s journey from high school state champion to Conference USA award winner to Big 12 newcomer bodes well for Walker to become a big name in Stillwater next season.